‘Periyar’ question row: TNPSC expresses regret

An answer to a question in the Group II exams, identifying rationalist leader E V Ramasamy (Periyar) by caste stirred a hornet’s nest, with leaders of various political parties, including the principal Opposition DMK, condemning it and demanding an open apology from the government.

Following this, the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC), which conducted the exam on Sunday, issued a statement expressing regret for it on Monday.

In a statement, TNPSC secretary and exam control officer Nandakumar said despite the questions being prepared by experts and professors, a mistake has happened in the question on Periyar.

Stating that necessary action would be taken against those responsible for the incident, he said steps would be taken to prevent such issues in future.

A total of 4.57 lakh candidates appeared for the Group II examination conducted by the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission on Sunday.